On Monday we were reminded of our enemy. We have an enemy. On Wednesday we read the prayer, “Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.”
Our Good Shepherd has ultimately conquered every enemy, including the evil one of this world. Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.” John 16.33
Psalm 23 reminds us that our Good Shepherd goes before, preparing a table for you in the presence of your enemies. It’s important to remember our enemies aren’t always people. Our enemies are anything that stands in the way of us believing “we lack nothing.” Most poignantly, that belief is attacked by our wants and our fears.
What is it that makes you afraid? What is it that causes worry, anxiety, or discontent? In the presence of those enemies, our Good Shepherd prepares a table. A table of refuge, a table of peace, a table that overflows with blessing, “my cup overflows.”
Psalm 23 is a livable reality for the here and now, and it points to an eternal future. A future that includes a meal at a table. Here’s how Revelation 19 portrays this meal.
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8 Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.
One of the most striking images of the risen Jesus, our Good Shepherd in the book of Revelation is “the Lamb that was slain.” Those who have been invited to the table are wearing robes that have been made white (paradoxically) by “the blood of the Lamb.”
Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we too have conquered death and now, one day will share eternal life with God and the Lamb. And it’s the Lamb (the risen Christ) who now leads the flock. In a striking reversal of roles, the slain Lamb has become the Good Shepherd.
Our Good Shepherd has prepared a table before you. Come and eat.
We believe these truths are true. What do you believe?
Reflection:
1. Who or what are your greatest enemies?
2. How do you sense God’s presence bringing you peace in the presence of your enemies?
3. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” How might you fully live into this truth today?
Pray through the truth of Luke 22.14-20 and John 13.34-35.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22.14-20
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13.34-35
